

The Thomistic Institute
The Thomistic Institute
The Thomistic Institute exists to promote Catholic truth in our contemporary world by strengthening the intellectual formation of Christians at universities, in the Church, and in the wider public square. The thought of St. Thomas Aquinas, the Universal Doctor of the Church, is our touchstone.
The Thomistic Institute Podcast features the lectures and talks from our conferences, campus chapters events, intellectual retreats, livestream events, and much more.
Founded in 2009, the Thomistic Institute is part of the Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception at the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, DC.
The Thomistic Institute Podcast features the lectures and talks from our conferences, campus chapters events, intellectual retreats, livestream events, and much more.
Founded in 2009, the Thomistic Institute is part of the Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception at the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, DC.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 15, 2016 • 5min
Introduction to The Future of Catholicism in America | Fr. Thomas Joseph White, OP
Fr. Thomas Joseph White, OP, discusses the future of Catholicism in America, exploring legal precedents, societal shifts, and the evolution of Christianity in academia and culture. He delves into the challenges of adapting to secularization and navigating identity struggles within the Catholic Church.

Apr 12, 2016 • 1h 14min
The Personal God of Classical Theism | Prof. Eleonore Stump
Professor Eleonore Stump discusses Aquinas from an analytical perspective, contrasting the personal God of classical theism with the God in the Bible. Topics include Jonah's interactions with God, divine simplicity, the Holy Spirit, and the Incarnate Christ. The discussion explores God's engagement with human lives, contrasts classical theism with biblical views, and delves into Aquinas' concepts of passivity and cognition.

Apr 9, 2016 • 19min
Final Thoughts on The Future of Catholicism in America | Mary Eberstadt and R. R. Reno
Authors and scholars Mary Eberstadt and R. R. Reno delve into the impacts of the sexual revolution, state intervention, and the role of family dynamics in society. They discuss the importance of responsible citizenship, the historical experience of Catholics in America, the crisis of permanence in the West, and emphasizing strong family and church institutions amidst societal changes.

Apr 9, 2016 • 34min
God, Catholicism and the American Founders | Prof. Phil Munoz
Prof. Phil Munoz explores challenges facing American society and critiques perspectives on American liberalism within conservative Catholic circles. The podcast delves into the impact of American values on movements like abortion and marriage equality, emphasizing themes of human equality and consent in the American founding philosophy. The discussion also highlights the importance of natural law and moral obligations in understanding liberty and rights from the perspective of America's founders.

Apr 6, 2016 • 1h 13min
The Dominican Need of and Service to the University | Fr. Richard Schenk, OP
Fr. Richard Schenk, OP, discusses Dominican involvement in universities, emphasizing Thomas Aquinas's ideas on mercy and wisdom. The conversation explores the historical connection between mercy and study in the Dominican Order, the role of theology in contemporary university education, and the importance of specialized study for fostering faith among the lay faithful.

Apr 6, 2016 • 57min
St. Thomas, Wisdom, and the University Master | Prof. John Boyle
Prof. John Boyle discusses St. Thomas's commentary on Job, emphasizing divine providence and wisdom. They explore Job's interactions with friends, highlighting virtues like patience and reason, contrasting with false accusations. The podcast delves into St. Thomas's insights on academic life, intellectual disputation, and challenges in reviving the disputed question method for modern scholars.

Apr 6, 2016 • 1h 6min
Dante and the Power of Love in the Intellectual Life | Prof. Anthony Esolen
Professor Anthony Esolen discusses Dante's transformative encounter with Beatrice, emphasizing the power of love in intellectual life. They explore Dante's poetic journey, the significance of love in poetry, and the importance of literature in education.

Apr 1, 2016 • 1h 29min
Aquinas on Original Sin: The Promise of an Interdisciplinary Approach | Abp. Augustine DiNoia, OP
Archbishop Augustine DiNoia explores Aquinas' unique perspective on original sin through an interdisciplinary lens, emphasizing the compatibility between faith and reason. The discussion delves into the transmission of sin, the importance of grace, and the need for healing grace. It also addresses challenges in integrating original sin with modern historical criticism and evolutionary science, advocating for a balanced theological approach.

Apr 1, 2016 • 1h 3min
The Medieval Dominicans and the Magisterium | Prof. M. Michéle Mulchahey
Professor M. Michéle Mulchahey discusses the medieval Dominicans' pursuit of education for preaching, challenges faced, establishment of studia generalia, controversies within the Dominican Order, conflicts with Thomas Aquinas, and the evolution of church authority in the 15th century.

Mar 29, 2016 • 1h 1min
Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness: A 13th-Century Take on Natural Rights | Fr. White, OP
Fr. White, OP, a 13th-century expert on natural rights, discusses Thomas Aquinas' philosophy on natural rights and happiness in relation to the Declaration of Independence. He explores the pursuit of happiness as a central goal aligned with human nature and delves into candidates for absolute happiness. The podcast also examines Pope Leo XIII's Rerum Novarum, the Church's role in addressing poverty and social justice, and the impact of natural law on rights talk.